Trigeminal nerve-the anterior two thirds of the tongue are innervated by the lingual nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (cn v). the posterior one third of the tongue is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cn ix) for general and taste sensations. the facial nerve supplies taste fiber to the tongue through the chorda tympani but does not supply general sensation. the vagus nerve supplies general sensation and taste sensation to the epiglottis by way of the internal laryngeal branch. the hypoglossal nerve innervates the tongue muscles.
